I don't have much faith in the d/b/a Cure Alzheimer's Fund, as they haven't cured Alzheimer's and their game plan is not credible.
I lost my father to Alzheimer’s disease in 2012. While searching online to find information about what research was being done, I found the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund website and was fascinated with their venture philanthropy model. The organization was founded by individuals of the highest caliber, who cover all of the administrative costs of the organization. Every penny that is donated goes directly to research. Their Research Consortium is comprised of brilliant scientists that chart a roadmap for research and identify the best and the brightest Alzheimer’s scientists, and then the organization funds their research.
I have met all of the founders and management in the organization. They are men and women of the utmost integrity who have committed themselves and their resources to finding the cure to Alzheimer’s disease, and they are moving the ball. They encourage scientists from around the globe to collaborate and share their research findings. New discoveries are being made, limited only by funding. There is very little federal funding available for research, so the scientists must rely on private funding to continue their research.
I can highly recommend Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, knowing 100% of donations will go directly to research.
I have had the pleasure of working with the Cure Alzheimer's Fund (CAF) for over a year now. They are nothing short of fantastic. My grandfather suffers from Alzheimer's so I know first hand the devastation of this disease. I co-founded and run a 501(c)3 non-profit in his honor that donates all of its proceeds to CAF (we have donated more than $60,000 thus far!)
Here are the reasons I believe the Cure Alzheimer's Fund is an amazing non-profit:
1) The organization concentrates on ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH. While Alzheimer's care, services and educational programs are important, this disease will not be cured until more $$$ goes toward research.
2) The founders pay for all overhead and administrative expenses! This means that 100% OF EVERY DOLLAR DONATED GOES TOWARDS RESEARCH! This cannot be overstated!!!!!!
3) The "Venture Capital style" approach allows for projects to get funded in as little a 2-3 weeks. This means less time filling out grant proposals, and more time finding potential cures! They have a bonafide advisory board that approves projects proposed by their world class research consortium (http://curealz.org/research/researchers) which includes respected MDs and PhDs.
4) Since the founders pay for all overhead, this lends itself towards having a relatively small staff (i.e. LEAN approach). This allows for a very intimate connection to the organization. I have gotten to know almost all of the staff over the course of working with them. When you contact them you know you are speaking to someone who has authority to help you and make decisions. They have been SO HELPFUL and have gone OUT OF THEIR WAY in assisting my organization.
This problem will only be solved collectively....every dollar counts!
If you're considering working with them or donating, please do so with 110% confidence!
I wanted to volunteer and they basically slammed the door in my face. I was trying to help, since my grandmother has Alzheimer's, and they were very rude and inappropriate, showed a total lack of empathy. I would not associate myself with this organization. It is basically a front for non-clinical research at massachusetts general hospital, which is already well-funded.